Scots get Berra news for defence

NEW dad Christophe Berra will give Scotland a World Cup boost by reporting for duty for Saturday’s opener against Serbia.

Christophe Berra confirmed he would be available for the Group A opener against Serbia

With Charlie Mulgrew and Russell Martin injured and Berra’s place uncertain because his girlfriend was due to give birth, boss Craig Levein was facing a defensive headache.

But Berra became a dad to a little girl yesterday and then confirmed he would be available for the Group A opener against Serbia.

Levein said: “We are delighted with the news and look forward to him joining us Thursday. He has been training at his club this week so there are no issues with him fitness-wise and I am sure he will come up on a high. Christophe is a very important player for us and it will be good to have him available for Saturday.”

Levein was down to the bare bones defensively with Phil Bardsley and Steven Whittaker out.

But he is hoping Martin and Danny Fox will be available for the match against Macedonia on Tuesday at Hampden.

It does make things a little bit harder

Craig Levein

MK Dons defender Gary MacKenzie and Huddersfield Town defender Paul Dixon have been drafted in as cover.

Lee Wallace of Rangers might have been one answer but he has a hamstring problem.

However, Levein has reiterated he and other Rangers players face a fight to keep their Scotland careers alive.

He handed midfielder Ian Black his debut in the friendly win over Australia last month, but no Ibrox players were named in his squad for the World Cup double-header with Serbia and Macedonia.

Levein said: “The longer they play in the Third Division the further they are away from playing international football.

“I do feel for the Rangers players.

“As time wears on the standard they will be playing week in, week out, is quite far removed from international